Samsung Galaxy Mega coming to AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular

Samsung's Galaxy Mega handset, which carries a whopping 6.3-inch display, is heading to the United States on AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular, the manufacturer has confirmed.

The Galaxy Mega is Samsung's largest handset, with the aforementioned gigantic display, a 720p LCD panel, a dual-core 1.7GHz CPU and 1.5GB of RAM. It's also got an 8-megapixel rear camera, and Samsung says the U.S. version will be available with up to 64GB of storage, in addition to microSD expandability. On the software side, you're looking at Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and the latest TouchWiz UI. The Mega's software includes many features from the Galaxy S4, such as the WatchON TV app, Air View and multi-window. Protective flip covers and a special windowed S View cover will also be offered for the device.

Samsung says the Galaxy Mega will be available in Nova Black and Polaris White color options from this month. As is often the case with U.S. launches, we'll have to wait on specific carrier announcements to find out exactly when the launch will take place.

Update: Sprint has chimed in with an announcement that it'll range the Galaxy Mega "later in the year."

6.3-inch HD screen combines a tablet experience with the functionality of an everyday smartphone

Dallas, TX – August 19, 2013 – Continuing its commitment to provide choice to consumers, Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) today announces the Samsung Galaxy Mega™ for the U.S. market. The 6.3-inch Galaxy Mega is the ideal hybrid mobile device for those who want to experience smartphone portability with the immersive experience of a tablet.

“We continue to bring innovation with our Galaxy family of devices, with the Galaxy Mega representing a manifestation of consumer’s enthusiasm for our thin, large screen designs,” said Nick DiCarlo, vice president of product planning and marketing at Samsung Mobile. “The Galaxy Mega combines exceptional features from the Samsung Galaxy smartphone family with a 6.3-inch screen, making it an optimal device for movies, books, music and games.”

Superior Galaxy® Features
The Galaxy Mega allows users to enjoy many of the benefits of Samsung’s latest flagship device, the Galaxy S® 4, on an even larger screen. The Galaxy Mega’s big-screen experience enhances everything you do on a smartphone – whether it’s watching a video, browsing web pages or composing an email.

• Air View™: Explore information and content on your Galaxy Mega without ever touching the screen. Simply hover your finger an inch above the screen to preview emails and photos, initiate speed-dial and even magnify text.
• Multi Window: Multi Window split screen multitasking allows users to seamlessly run multiple apps on one screen simultaneously, and is now better than ever on the 6.3-inch HD screen of the Galaxy Mega. Watch a movie on Samsung Hub™ and check email at the same time, all by dragging and dropping apps on the same screen.
• WatchON™: Control your television using the Galaxy Mega as a remote control. Discover a rich TV viewing experience with the Integrated Infrared (IR) controller that makes Smart Remote functional with any IR capable TV or Set Top Box. Users can share content from the Galaxy Mega to a TV effortlessly, as well as channel surf in a smart, new way that lets you browse by genre, search by title or receive recommendations based on your interests.
• Easy Mode: Helps smooth the transition for first-time smartphone owners by simplifying the home screen layout, camera, calendar, messaging and the internet browser to make the settings menu easy to navigate. Once a user is more comfortable with their Galaxy Mega, they can easily switch back to the standard home screen interface.

Captivating Camera
At 8-megapixels, the Galaxy Mega rear-facing camera has zero shutter lag to capture life’s memorable moments without delay. The Galaxy Mega is equipped with the easy-to-navigate Galaxy Camera™ user interface which supports numerous shooting modes such as Beauty Face, Best Photo, Sound & Shot, Panorama and more to enhance photos taken by even the most novice photographer. Galaxy Mega users can also create photo albums on the fly with Story Album™ - a unique way to group content by event or date. With the spacious display and a variety of filters and editing tools, smartphone photos have never looked better.

The Galaxy Mega runs Android™ 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), powered by a 1.7 GHz dual core CPU and 1.5 GB of internal RAM. Users can store large libraries of photos, music and videos with expandable storage of up to 64 GB of memory with an external microSD™ card.

The Galaxy Mega is also SAFE™ (Samsung for Enterprise), allowing users to work and play with confidence that their photos, emails and contacts are protected. Built with enough power to get you through the longest work days, the Galaxy Mega is powered by a removable 3,200 mAh battery for extended use on a single charge.

Protect the Galaxy Mega with an assortment of cover options, such as the S-View Flip Cover, a specially designed flip cover with a clear window to answer or reject a call and view battery status. The traditional Flip Cover provides similar functionality without a viewing window, and the Protective Cover + fits snugly around the Galaxy Mega to protect against bumps and falls. Sold separately, the S-View Flip Cover, Flip Cover and Protective Cover + come in a variety of vibrant colors to add personality and style, all while protecting the Galaxy Mega.

The Galaxy Mega comes in Nova Black and Polaris White color options and will be available beginning this month. AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular will carry the device - each carrier will announce their specific availability, colors and timing.

For more information on the Galaxy Mega and accessories, please visit www.samsung.com.